A relatively small group of 8 arrived at Blacktoft to decent weather having suffered a foul journey in torrential rain. 47 bird species were identified by the group but it was by no means the stand out trip that it was last year at this time. The stars were without doubt the Spotted Redshank, one of which, a male, was in breeding plumage. The supporting cast
Spotted Redshank – the one on the right in breeding plumage
included Green Sandpipers, a single Snipe, a few Ruff and Black-tailed Godwits still largely
Ruff in the centre surrounded by a cast of Redshank and a Lapwing
in breeding plumage. Then of course there were the ever present Marsh Harriers patrolling
Green Sandpipers
the reed bed and we also had a few sightings of Bearded Tits but with high water levels across the reserve resulting in very little exposed mud, views were very distant. Also
Female/juvenile Marsh Harrier
present were a couple of Great White Egrets on Singleton’s lagoon and a pair of Mute Swans with 9 well developed youngsters – pretty impressive parents.
Apologies for the quality of the photos – compact camera and digiscoping!